PBKS’s Bahutule Set to Become India’s First Specialist Spin Bowling Coach
Gautam Gambhir is building his backroom. And he wants a dedicated spin coach for the first time in India’s history.
Sairaj Bahutule — currently Punjab Kings’ spin bowling coach in IPL 2026 — is set to take charge of Team India’s spin department once the tournament wraps up. Gambhir held two rounds of talks with the former leg-spinner before approving the appointment. If confirmed, Bahutule becomes the first full-time specialist spin bowling coach the Indian team has ever had.
The 53-year-old played two Tests and seven ODIs for India — modest international numbers. But at domestic level he was exceptional: 630 wickets in 188 first-class matches at an average of 26. He knows spin bowling from the inside out.
Punjab Kings’ spinners — Chahal, Noor Ahmad — have been among the best in the tournament this season. Gambhir noticed